OH! Magazine - Australian Version April 2016 | Page 19

NARDIA
NORMAN

FITNESS IS...

nardianorman.com

(Women’s Health)

Nardia Norman explores her concept of fitness.
itness is NOT about having big boobs, flat abs, a massive
booty and flaunting oneself like a pornstar on Instagram.
Fitness is also NOT about being super elite and ‘hardcore’. It is
NOT just about sculpting the perfect body, and it is NOT
necessarily the same as health.

physically and mentally allows for growth, and as Tony
Robbins says ‘if you are not growing you are dying’.

F

This was the overwhelming opinion from most people I have
encountered during my time at fitness conferences, both here
and overseas. Attending these conferences reminds me why I
became a personal coach in the first place – to help people
transform their life.
As a veteran of the industry, it is easy to get disheartened by all
the rubbish that I often see – the supplements, the rise of the
‘fitspo’ expert, the over-emphasis on the ‘bikini body’, the
unnecessary glorification of ‘photoshoot-ready’ bodies, ‘razzle
dazzle’ equipment and exercise fads and the constant
bombardment of food photos – seriously just eat the food already
(admittedly I have been known to take a few food shots but that’s
because it was so pretty; not because I was showing off what I
was ‘allowed’ to eat!’).
In all honesty, I am sometimes saddened by how some people
view or promote the fitness industry. However, my time at these
conferences have reminded me of all the good that is in our
industry.
I have seen fitness professionals with a burning desire to help
people change for the better. I have chatted with energetic trainers
and other professionals who, like me, are focused on seeing a
positive change in what is presented in the media, who are focused
on changing the definition of our client’s success (this does NOT
include focusing on weight or superficial outcomes), and who are
ready to stand up and say enough is enough!
I am proud to be in a position where I am both a conduit of
change and also a recipient of information. I love that I get
to inspire or spark paradigm shifts in people. I am also
thankful to have absorbed all the enthusiasm and energy
from so many other inspiring like-minded individuals, which
has left me feeling refreshed, renewed and reconnected to
my original ‘why’.
So with fresh enthusiasm, and the help of some awesome
individuals, here is exactly what I believe fitness is:
•

•

Fitness is a vehicle for connection. Not only is this about
meeting new people and socialising, it is also about
reconnecting with one’s own body.

•

Fitness is multi-factorial, meaning there are multiple
components to fitness – ‘looking good’ is just one of many
potential benefits.

•

Fitness is a journey. Yes, this is super clichéd, but so true.
As mentioned in the first point, fitness allows you to learn
about yourself as you progress. It forces you to assess your
life, to make adjustments and to figure out what your
personal definition of success is.

•

Fitness contributes to health. Without health we have
nothing. If we are sick or diseased, the overall quality of
life is lessened. We are entitled to thrive not just survive
and fitness can help us achieve this.

•

Fitness allows us to be ready for whatever life throws at us
– physically, emotionally, and metaphorically!

Of course this list is not extensive – I’m sure you can think of
other ‘fitness is….’ statements, but ahhhhh aren’t those more
meaningful and inspirational than pouty-lips and fitness
pornification?
Do yourself a favour, and have a detox from